Ocean Border Fence to be Complete by Month’s End

The ocean extended border fence at Imperial Beach is expected to be done by the end of March. The fence will extend 300 feet into the ocean, using 18 foot tall steel poles.

The complete Border Field State Park project has a $4.3 million price tag, which will consist of other upgrades as well. A temporary pier is being used for construction, but will be taken down at completion.

The previous ocean fence was dilapidated, and made it possible for people to cross through during low tide. The rugged ocean fence made it a necessity for constant surveillance by Border Patrol agents. The majority of the neighboring fence had already been upgraded.

Imperial Beach at Border Field State Park previously was a hotspot for cross-border families to meet. Families could talk and pass gifts between the fence. Border Field State Park has since been neglected, leaving the park only open on weekends.

Few families or tourists visit the park now, and visitors are asked by Border Patrol to stay away from the fence. Playas de Tijuana, on the Mexico side of the fence, still remains a popular area for visitors.